Netanyahu Joins New Network: High-Tech, Economy, and the "Soft Right" in Focus
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to win back moderate right-wing voters who have distanced themselves due to his policies regarding the ultra-Orthodox. By launching a LinkedIn account, he aims to engage tech workers and youth with an economic agenda. This shift comes as the Likud party responds to the growing political influence of Gadi Eizenkot among these demographics.
"Soft right", high-tech, and the economy: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has launched his election campaign by opening an account on the social network LinkedIn. This platform is primarily aimed at high-tech professionals, young people, and those involved in economic sectors. Netanyahu views this as an opportunity to bring home national and "soft right" voters by focusing on economic messaging and discourse regarding the AI industry.
This move follows a long period in which political figures warned Netanyahu that his line regarding the ultra-Orthodox was alienating moderate right-wing voters, leaving him with only his hardline base. Despite recommendations to focus on a harder right and expand at the expense of Itamar Ben Gvir, Netanyahu is now reaching out to an audience he had previously almost abandoned.
The political traction gained by Gadi Eizenkot among this demographic, combined with polls showing his growth potential, has led the Likud to formulate a series of steps to win back voters who left following a difficult term marked by political zigzags aimed at maintaining his coalition bloc. In an unusual announcement, Netanyahu declared that the law freezing the arrest of deserters, which distinguishes ultra-Orthodox deserters from the rest of the population, is "bad and ineffective," promising to repeal it in the next government. However, the move sparked a wave of criticism at home and abroad, with many labeling it a cynical attempt to garner votes.
In his first post on LinkedIn, Benjamin Netanyahu wrote:
"Last week, I completed an important diplomatic visit to Washington, where I met with US President Donald Trump and senior members of the American administration. We strengthened the alliance between our countries and discussed the great tasks that lie before us: removing the Iranian threat, ensuring Israel's security, and expanding the circle of peace in the Middle East."
He further stated:
"Israel will defend itself against any threat, and together with our great friend the United States, we will continue to change the face of the region. We are acting with determination, responsibility, and power to ensure Israel's security and the future of the next generations. Together, we will continue to win, expand peace, and lead Israel to a safe and prosperous future."
